Canada’s federal government has approved plans to build a magnificent $42-million glass dome on Parliament Hill as a temporary new home for the House of Commons while the existing chamber on Parliament Hill is being renovated. The soaring glass ceiling is being designed to match the neo-Gothic architecture of the rest of the Parliament Buildings.

Artist's rendering of temporary Commons chamber under a glass dome in West Block courtyard.

The temporary Commons chamber will have exactly the same dimensions and layout as the existing one, complete with tiered seating for MPs and overhanging visitors' galleries.

National Capital Commission architect Linda Dicaire said the spectacular dome is necessary to “provide parliament with a dignified chamber and quality facility worthy of Canada's most democratic institution.”

The dome will be built in what is now an open courtyard in the West Block of the Parliament Buildings, and is expected to be completed in 2018. The building will include a cafeteria and an underground tunnel with its own skylights, connecting the temporary Commons chamber to a whole new visitors' centre.

Toronto consulting firm Engineering Harmonics is designing the infrastructure for the extensive audio and broadcast systems.